Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso signs new two-year contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen… casts doubts on whether he will be Carlo Ancelotti’s successor in Spain

Real Madrid target Xabi Alonso has committed his future to Bayer Leverkusen after leading the German club to the semi-finals of the Europa League and a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga last season.

The Spaniard, who was touted as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor at Madrid, signed a two-year contract extension with the ‘Black and Reds’ on Friday.

Ancelotti faces an uncertain future at Real Madrid once his contract expires next year and has been heavily linked with a move to Brazil to become the national team’s new manager.

Los Blancos would prepare for a life without him and had shortlisted Alonso as a candidate to replace the Italian tactician.

Alonso played for Madrid between 2009 and 2014, but may not yet return to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Alonso’s original contract with Bayer, which he signed in October 2022, ran until June 2024, but his new contract will last him at least until June 2026.

Alonso expressed his gratitude for the confidence that Bayer’s board has placed in him: ‘I am very grateful for the confidence that Bayer 04 has placed in me. The fact that we are convinced of the same ideas and direction on the pitch creates a great affinity and trust between the club management and myself.

‘There is also a very good and relaxed daily work base. That also makes working with my staff and all employees of Bayer 04 a lot of fun. I see last season as positive. But I want more, just like the club wants. We are now working on that with ambition.’

Werner Wenning, chairman of Bayer’s shareholders’ committee, sees Alonso’s extension as “an impressive sign for the club”.

“Xabi Alonso has stabilized the team in a difficult phase and put us back on track,” he said. ‘Now we want to take the next steps in the development of our team with confidence, unity and with the necessary focus.’

CEO Fernando Carro added: “Xabi’s careful, analytical and confident approach is very good for us as Bayer 04.

At the same time, he has an excellent environment here with us and in the Bundesliga where he can further develop his profile as a young coach.

“Both sides are very ambitious. the mutual commitment to each other also includes the clear goal of achieving something together for this club.’

Sporting director Simon Rolfes then stated: ‘The signing of Xabi last October attracted a lot of approval but also skepticism at the same time.

‘We were in a difficult situation and saw in Xabi a world star, but also an inexperienced coach who had not yet led a top team.

‘Yet I was convinced of his abilities from the start and Xabi was convinced of the quality of our team.

“Together we have overcome resistance and created the best of all prospects for Bayer 04. The current contract extension is an expression of great appreciation and mutual trust.”